Early August is the deadliest time of the year on the road. August 3 is the the deadliest single day on the road.
The
Insurance Institute For Highway Safety
studied road-related deaths nationwide over the past 17 years. More people died on Aug. 3 than any other day.
August 4, Aug. 6 and Aug. 12 follow in order on the deadly list.
In explaining why that is, Charlene Edwards, of
AAA Carolinas
, said: "During August, there's 3.5 trillion miles traveled.
"People are trying to cram that last family vacation in," Edwards said. "They're thinking about school. They've got the school anxieties, and the highways are just crowded."
Aug. 3 is the clear statistical leader, not only nationally. The UNC Highway Research Center told WRAL that North Carolina's most dangerous day on the highway also is Aug. 3.
The
UNC Highway Safety Research Center
study covered 1990 through 2003. During that time, 94 people died on North Carolina roads on Aug. 3.
Police and AAA officials said drivers can change the statistics by watching their speed, taking breaks and, most importantly, taking their time on the road. They said aggressive driving is the most likely cause of a deadly wreck.
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